Tylers triumph at Reno Rodeo Xtreme Bulls

RENO, Nev. (June 20, 2013) – Tyler Smith has been building momentum starting in May and kept that momentum going at the Reno Rodeo Xtreme bulls.

Smith, who leads the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings finished atop the leaderboard with a total score of 177 points on two bulls to add $11,233 to his season earnings. He has another opportunity to add to that here on Sunday when he competes in the rodeo.

In the first round, Smith got on Western Rodeo’s Super Bull to score 84 points and get a piece of the last-place check. Then in the finals he rode Growney Brother’s Crystal Deal for the high-marked ride of the night at 93 points.

“That first bull was hard to ride,” Smith said. “Then in the finals, he was so fast, I didn’t have time to think I was just holding on.”

“That first bull was hard to ride.Then in the finals, he was so fast, I didn’t have time to think I was just holding on.” Tyler Smith

It all worked well for Smith who is really finding his stride this year. He qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2010 and struggled with injuries the next two years. He had a torn bicep, knee surgery, back problems and last year at the California Rodeo in Salinas had a spur go clear through his leg.

“I’m healthy now,” he added. “I feel really good. I’m also more experienced and I think that’s helping with the success I’m having. I’ve been doing it since I was nine, I should have some things figured out.”

Finishing second was Cody Campbell from Summerville, Ore., who is 10th in the world standings. He improved his opportunity for a first-time NFR qualification by earning $8,084. Third place went to Tyler Willis from Wheatland, Wyo. Willis is 18th in the world and needs every dollar he can get to make the trip to Las Vegas next December to compete in his second NFR.

Willis qualified for the finals by having the last qualified ride that will ever be made on the great bull from Flying U Rodeo named Bring It who was retired here. Willis scored 84 points to move him into the top 12 that rode in the finals. His total earnings here were $5,687.

Following are unofficial results from the Reno Rodeo Xtreme Bulls on Thursday, June 20, 2013.